The Falcon 9 rocket blasted from Cape Canaveral, Florida on December 21 at 8:29 p.m.to deliver 11 satellites to orbit for the communications company Orbcomm. A few minutes into the flight, the second stage of the rocket detached and continued its way on up. The booster made a turn in the air and headed back to solid ground, sticking the landing, aided by the fins on its sides.

This was the first time SpaceX has landed this first stage rocket booster, and is a major step towards reusable rockets and more affordable space travel. Elon Musk, the company’s CEO and founder called the pinpoint, upright landing a “revolutionary moment,” Davenport reports.

The feat comes less than a month after the successful launch and landing of another reusable rocket by the space-exploration company, Blue Origin. However the more recent launch was a greater challenge. SpaceX’s rocket is heavier and more powerful than Blue Origin’s. It was also designed to send payloads to orbit, rather than just reaching the edge of what is considered space, before landing again.

Monday evening’s launch for SpaceX, however, was the first since the June crash. It’s success buoyed the company and likely the industry itself. Reusable rockets could make routine space travel a reality.

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About Marissa Fessenden

Marissa Fessenden is a freelance science writer and artist who appreciates small things and wide open spaces.